Author: Bryce

Eucharist, Prayer and Pacific Mimesis in the Thought of James Alison

Bryce E. Rich
AAR 2009 Annual Meeting
8 November 2009

Over the past couple of decades the Church has been increasingly pulled into the conflict over homosexuality. As Christians rush to take up sides in arguments over scriptural authority, cultural norms, scientific data, and theories of social justice, debates have become increasingly polarized, with both sides engaging in polemic that dehumanizes their opponents and incites some to physical violence. Indeed, not a month goes by without reports of intimidation, assault, and murder of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people caught in the crossfire.[1] Many LGBT Christians have found themselves separated from family, friends and communities of faith.

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How Richard Elliott Friedman Re-Wrote My Bible

Another reason I eventually chose to attend seminary can be traced back to the Documentary Hypothesis.  I didn’t know back then that that is what it is called.  But the popular work of Richard Elliott Friedman changed my world in 2001.

I had only been back in church for about a year and was a member of a congregation that highly valued Bible study and daily Bible reading as a form of personal devotion.   I was reading whatever I could get my hands on.  I picked up a copy of Who Wrote the Bible? and, as it turned out, I got more than I had bargained for.

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2009 National Equality March

rainbow flag at the U.S. CapitolThis year’s National Coming Out Day was marked by the National Equality March in Washington, DC.  I’ve always missed the marches in the past, so this year I decided to go.  What a great time!

It’s easy to forget that there are lots of LGBT folk (and lots of straight allies too!) around the country.  But standing in the crowds as we began to organize before the march, it was inspiring to look around and see all the different people.

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Affirmation of Baptism: An Order of Service

For my final project I have chosen to construct a liturgy for the Affirmation of Baptism. While the original context for this work was inspired by discussion around the need for such a service in the UFMCC, the liturgy could be used in any emerging church setting where people from multiple denominations have come together as a single congregation.

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